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Kalou hopes to be main man

Salomon Kalou says the chance to play regularly was a key factor in his decision to join Lille when his Chelsea contract expired.

By Giscard Gourizro

Last Updated: 20/07/12 10:50am

Salomon Kalou: Former Chelsea attacker is looking forward to a fresh start at Lille

Salomon Kalou says the chance to play regular first-team football was a key factor in his decision to join Lille when his Chelsea contract expired.

The Ivory Coast international made more than 250 appearances during a six-year career at Stamford Bridge, but over 100 of those came as a substitute.

Though Kalou started last season's UEFA Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old started only seven games in the Premier League last term.

Rather than opt to stay with Chelsea, the attacker decided to join French side Lille on a four-year contract and he is looking forward to a new challenge.

Right choice

"Many people are surprised I moved from Chelsea to Lille, but to be honest, for me, it was the right choice to make," Kalou told Sky Sports.

"At Chelsea I was always under pressure because of the great names they have there. Even on my first day of training I was taking pictures with my colleagues because it was a dream for me.

"I never had a proper chance, but I played in two Champions League finals, won one and lost one. The one we won, I started the game.

"Chelsea was great to me, but not playing regularly was a main factor. In Lille, I will be one of the main men in the team, so it will be different. I can show my true talent, I think.

"I will miss the English league but I will enjoy the French league where players such as Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Lavezzi are going to play against us and other teams such as Montpellier and Marseille.